Delta Scientific announced that Delta’s temporary vehicle barriers were erected in New Orleans’ French Quarter to restrict vehicle access to Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras.
Delta Scientific, the manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, announced that, reacting to tragedies in Nice, France and Berlin among others where vehicles were used as weapons against large numbers of pedestrians, Delta’s temporary vehicle barriers were erected in New Orleans’ French Quarter to restrict vehicle access to Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras. The barriers, which were placed along cross streets intersecting Bourbon, helped ensure no vehicles had access to the heavily traveled walkway in their three locations as Mardi Gras participants celebrated in the Quarter. The barriers were raised each evening at 5 p.m. from Feb. 22 through Mardi Gras on Feb. 28 and lowered at 5 a.m. or earlier depending on crowds. New Orleans plans continue use of the portable barriers during special events in the future.
According to Aaron Miller, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and preparedness, the three barriers were towed into location just prior to the NBA All-Star game. Miller explained that, in certain situations, the portable barriers are more efficient than current measures. Instead of police officers using patrol cars to close streets, the barriers free officers to take care of other important police matters. Miller also stated that the city intends to purchase more portable barriers to block additional French Quarter intersections. Ultimately, many of the moveable barriers will be replaced by permanent installations.
“Unfortunately, obtaining extra vehicle protection has now become a focal point since an intoxicated driver injured at least 28 people when smashing into the Krewe of Endymion parade, the largest at Mardi Gras, at one of the yet unprotected intersections this past Saturday, the 25th,” says Greg Hamm, Delta Scientific vice president of marketing and sales. “We must remember that just as a terrorist can use a vehicle as a weapon to harm many people quickly as in Jerusalem and attempted at Ohio State, the same results can be caused by an errant driver as happened at a Farmer’s Market in Santa Monica, Calif.”
The totally self-contained MP5000’s tow into position to control vehicle access within 15 minutes. No excavation or sub-surface preparation is required. Once positioned, the mobile barricades will unpack themselves by using hydraulics to raise and lower the barriers off their wheels. DC-powered pumps will then raise or lower the barriers. These mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers carry a K8 rating (M40 ASTM rating), stopping 7.5 ton (6400 Kg) vehicles traveling 40 mph (64 kph).
Delta always keeps an inventory of the MP5000s for purchase and quick delivery at their manufacturing facility in Palmdale, California. In many cases, they are needed for events that come up quickly, such as politician or celebrity visits and other unexpected incidents.
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